Crash!

In a Kokanee Giant Slalom race, Cory experienced his first ever crash during a race.  Fortunately, after a checkup at the Whistler Medical Centre, the only injury is two bruised knees.  It was a warm, rainy day and there was a lot of soft snow on the race course.  Over 25 racers started the race, and by the time Cory started his run as the second last racer to go, deep ruts made for a bumpy ride.  One of those ruts caught the edge of his ski, twisting his leg back, and down he went.

It had been a miserable start to the race proceedings as rain poured down on us during course inspection.   Later Cory cheerfully waited for the race, trying to stay dry in the start tent...

But the rains did stop, the skies cleared somewhat, and Cory was ready to race...

He was racing well, looking good and fast, and then at the end of this video...."down he goes"..




A closer look....




Crashes are part of the sport, and in some ways are an indication that the racer is progressing and looking to push the limits of his or her abilities.  Fortunately, no real harm came from this one and Cory will now be able to enjoy his week's vacation as he departs for Waikiki this Sunday.  But for a few moments there in the wet snow on Lower Cruiser on Blackcomb Mountain, both racer and dad had a bit of a scare.

Next up are the season-ending Rotary GS races at Whistler in mid-April, where he'll once again compete against his Special Olympics colleagues and rivals.